'Twitch' alarming, baseless

Published February 05, 2021 3:03PM Letter Re: Govt invites backlash over wards move, February 3. On May 25, 2020 The Herald published a letter from a contributor with this opening paragraph: “The political collywobbles of regular columnist Clive Bibby are to be expected, but a reality check is sorely needed.” His alarming twitch at the words “wards” and “racism” linked to the Government’s new policy to nullify existing unjust, unfair legislation in order to give tangata whenua an equal say in council matters is baseless scaremongering better suited to extremist right-wing conspiracy groups driving deep divisions in other countries. Why should this Government be concerned when they absolutely thrashed the opposition? In hindsight, the “Nats” have finally woken up to the fact they need to widen their voter base well beyond their habitual privileged, middle/upper-class Pakeha supporters. Standing in the Maori seats in 2023 is a wise move on their part towards recognising that the political landscape has changed dramatically. It is also gratifying to see Mr B’s affirmation of and support for the emerging Maori economy, but incredulous to hear him say that affirmative action is no longer needed. Rubbish! If anything we need affirmative action and collaboration now…
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